Boston Celtics’ first-round draft choice: SG Cameron Thomas, LSU
Cameron Thomas has one of the most pro-ready games out of any backcourt prospect in the draft. His offensive numbers were eye-popping despite the dip in his output and efficiency as the SEC schedule wore on. Still, a 23-point-per-game output is nothing to sniff at.
His usage rate (31.6%) might have also had something to do with the dip in efficiency towards the end of the season. LSU head coach Will Wade isn’t exactly the most imaginative mind with his offensive schemes either.
Thomas created many of his looks through pure gamesmanship in isolation. Defenders had a tough time staying in front of him due to his athleticism and unpredictability in his movement.
The Boston Celtics could definitely use another offensive-minded creator, and having yet another lethal option from the triple threat stance should tire out defenses who would now need to contend with a third nightmare in both half-court sets and in transition.
The beauty of Thomas landing in the NBA is that no matter who he joins, open looks will be at a premium relative to his Geaux Tiger days down in Baton Rouge. Only Javonte Smart averaged over three assists for LSU.
Boston is an MLE pass-first point guard addition away (T.J. McConnell anyone?) from having more than enough facilitation to prop Thomas’s diverse offensive arsenal up even more.